Leg ulcers are a complete nightmare! They are not only painful but also lower your self-esteem. Leg ulcers are caused by small leg injuries in which the skin breaks, allowing air or germs to enter the underlying tissues. You'll see them mostly around your ankles or on the inside side of your legs.

Leg ulcers might also occur if you have any underlying medical problems. Symptoms include itchy and flaky skin, discolouration on your leg, swelling in your ankles, and hard skin surrounding the ulcers, among others. Therefore, you should consult a doctor and seek therapy as soon as possible. You can also try out some natural homemade remedies for treating your ulcers:

7 Simple and Effective Home Remedies to Cure Leg Ulcers

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that is used to cure a variety of diseases. It is highly successful in the treatment of leg ulcers since it not only suppresses bacterial development but also prevents infection. It contains substances such as anthraquinones and hormones that are believed to have wound-healing effects.

Ingredients required:
Aloe vera

Instructions:
Make a small incision in an aloe vera leaf.
Remove the jelly-like material off the leaves using a scraper.
Apply the gel immediately on your leg ulcers.

How Often Should You Do This?
Do this 2-3 times a day.

2. Honey

Honey has traditionally been used to treat wounds because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It reduces swelling and discomfort, and its wound-healing qualities help ulcers heal faster. Honey is antimicrobial and can help prevent ulcers from becoming infected again.

Ingredients required:
100% organic honey.

Instructions:
Apply a little amount of organic honey to your fingertips.
Apply it carefully to your leg ulcers and leave it on.
Wash it off with water after 10-15 minutes.

How Often Should You Do This?
Do this 2-3 times a day.

3. Coconut Oil

The amazing coconut oil has antibacterial properties as it contains fatty acids like lauric acid. We are certain that by applying some coconut oil to the afflicted region, you would see positive results.

Ingredients required:
1-2 tbsp virgin coconut oil.

Instructions:
Apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil to your leg sores.

How Often Should You Do This?
Do this twice daily.

4, Turmeric

Turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. Because of its antimicrobial qualities, turmeric has been used for wound healing for centuries. Curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.

Ingredients required:
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Water

Instructions:
To produce a thick paste, combine the turmeric and water.
Apply the paste to the affected area and let it dry.
Wash it off using warm water
You can also drink a glass of hot milk with turmeric to help your body fight the infections from within.

How Often Should You Do This?
Do this 2-3 times a day.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another natural but efficient treatment for leg ulcers is apple cider vinegar. It contains high amounts of acetic acid and a lot of vitamins and minerals which makes it one of the best components for healing microbial diseases like leg ulcers It is also commonly used to treat varicose veins and can thus be beneficial in the treatment of leg ulcers due to its wound-healing properties.

Ingredients required:
1 tablespoon of apple cider
1 to 2 tablespoons of warm water
A pinch of salt
A little dish towel

Instructions:
Combine the apple cider vinegar and warm water in a mixing bowl.
Soak a clean piece of cloth into the solution and place the same on top of the wound.
Leave the solution for 10-15 minutes.

How Often Should You Do This?
Do it twice a day.

6. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an antiseptic that has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases Tea tree oil has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of persistent leg ulcers. It also has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment and healing of leg ulcers.

Ingredients required:
10 to 12 drops of tea tree oil are required.
Coconut oil, 30 mL

Instructions:
Mix tea tree oil and coconut oil in a bowl.
Apply a small amount of this solution to the affected area.
The leftover mixture can be stored in a clean container for future use.

7. Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica

Gotu kola is a tropical creeping plant mostly found in Asia and Africa. It's used to heal open wounds, such as leg ulcers and burns. Gotu kola's wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects are due to the presence of substances such as Asiatic acid and Madecassic acid.

Ingredients required:
1 tablespoon or a handful of Gotu kola leaves
Water

Instructions:
To make a thick paste, grind the Gotu kola leaves with adequate water.
Make a paste with this mixture and apply it to your ulcers

How Often Should You Do This?
Use this paste 1-2 times per day.

Self-Care Tips During the Leg Ulcer Treatment

• Following the below-mentioned tips during the treatment will help you heal your leg ulcer quickly
• Keep active by getting involved in mild activities like walking on a regular basis. 

• Keep your affected leg in an elevated pose whenever you are sitting or lying down for a long time. 
• Do not keep your legs stagnant for a long period; raising and lowering your feet can improve blood circulation.
• Take care not to sprain your affected leg, and make sure your shoes fit properly.

• Follow a good diet and do regular exercise to maintain your body weight. Don’t put on overweight during this time. 

• Give up smoking and drink alcohol in moderation. This may hasten the ulcer's healing process.

Cleaning and Dressing the Leg Ulcer

Leg ulcers can be a persistent and challenging health concern, requiring meticulous care and attention to promote optimal healing. Cleaning a leg ulcer is the first step in the wound care process. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with mild, fragrance-free soap to minimize the risk of introducing harmful bacteria to the wound. Use a gentle, saline solution to clean the ulcer, avoiding harsh chemicals that may hinder the healing process. When cleaning the leg ulcer, always remember to pat the area dry with a soft, lint-free cloth instead of rubbing. This prevents unnecessary trauma to the wound and surrounding skin. Maintain a gentle touch to promote optimal blood circulation while minimizing discomfort for the patient.

Follow-Up: Ensuring Continued Healing and Preventing Recurrence

Scheduling regular check-ups with healthcare professionals is paramount for individuals with leg ulcers. These appointments provide an opportunity to assess the wound's healing progress, identify any potential complications, and make informed decisions about adjusting the treatment plan if necessary. Empowering patients with knowledge is a key component of leg ulcer follow-up. Individuals learn to recognize warning signs of potential issues and understand when to seek immediate medical attention. In addition to wound-specific care, follow-up appointments provide an opportunity to discuss lifestyle modifications that can contribute to preventing leg ulcer recurrence. Topics may include maintaining a healthy diet, managing underlying health conditions, and adopting strategies to improve overall circulation.

Following the above-mentioned tips regularly would help you treat ulcer in the long run. However, if the ulcers on your leg don't seem to be healing or are becoming worse, you should visit a doctor immediately. Bethaniya Clinic provides effective treatment for curing leg ulcers. You can contact us if you wish to do a treatment.